Bighorn Mountain scenic pass opening for the season

Sheridan, Wyo – One of Wyoming’s popular mountain passes will be opening for the season in time for Memorial Day travels.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will open U.S. 14A by noon on Thursday, May 22, weather permitting.

Highway maintenance crews from Lovell and Burgess Junction have been clearing the highway of winter snow accumulations for the past few weeks. This task requires the use of snow plows, motor graders with a V-plow or snow blower attachment, and two rotary plows to remove up to eight feet of accumulated snow in places along this 22-mile stretch of scenic mountain road.

U.S. 14A typically closes after Thanksgiving and opens by Memorial Day weekend.

U.S. 14A is one of four mountain passes affected by seasonal winter closures. WYDOT closes these routes in the late fall once maintaining the roads due to heavy, drifting snow makes it difficult and impractical.

Motorists are reminded that access to many forest service roads from U.S. 14A is not available, and are asked not to attempt to access any other roads at this time.

WYDOT reminds motorists to obey all speed limits, wear their seatbelts at all times, watch for wildlife, and enjoy this spectacular drive.